Trying a New Brand: Antipodes Skincare

Antipodes Skincare is an organic brand based in New Zealand. They’re super cool in that all their products are natural and everyone seems to love them! I’ve never tried Antipodes before, until now, see what I thought of these products…

For such a long time, I’ve wanted to try Antipodes. But I didn’t know where to start or what to try first because there’s soooo many products that are raved about. One of the things that has made me gravitate towards Antipodes is the fact that they’re an organic, sustainable brand. Antipodes are cruelty free and offer Vegan friendly products too. They’ve also partnered up with WWF which is a massive step for a beauty brand IMO. Antipodes are the first beauty based brand to do this too, like how bloody cool is that? It shows that they’re serious about helping the environment, that they most definitely are cruelty free and in general a fantastic brand with amazing outlooks.

Also – did you guys know that it’s not pronounced ‘Anti-podes’ but ‘An-tip-uh-des’ My mind is actually blown. I always called it ‘anti-podes’ until Leah from Devoted to Pink pronounced it the other way and explained that when she met the founder (or someone really big) of Antipodes pronounced it that way too. Mind blown.

Anyway, I was recently asked to test out and review a couple of their products, (eeeeek, somebody pinch me). I was asked my skin type, which is currently: sensitive, dry (in patches) and blemish prone. I liked that they asked this because it was reassuring to know that they weren’t just going to send a standardised PR package, it felt a lot more personal. In all honesty, I was just expecting the one product and nothing more but I was so surprised and very excited when I opened the package.

So what did I get?

First up, we have the Aura Manuka Honey Treatment Mask* which is vegetarian (but not vegan) friendly. There’s obviously honey in there but it’s not a strong scent or sticky feeling. At first, I didn’t see how this would help blemish prone skin but it works. The idea with this mask, is that you apply a good layer on your face and keep it on for 15 minutes.

They recommend using Aura twice a week (sometimes I do 3-4 depending on how shit my skin feels/looks). It’s a soft scent which I like because honey items can smell really overpowering but this isn’t at all.

Aura is not a hardening face mask, it stays soft the whole time which I love because sometimes I find the hardening masks too harsh for my skin. As soon as I’ve used the treatment mask, my skin feels super hydrated and firmer. It also feels like I have a natural glow. In general, my face just looks so much more alive. I’ve noticed as well that as soon as I’ve washed off the mask, that the redness around any spots I do have is pretty much gone. This beauty is just £18.70 at Feel Unique, which currently has 25% off.

This next product reminds me of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, I’m not even sorry!

The Reincarnation Pure Facial Polish & Exfoliator* is the gentlest exfoliator I’ve probably come across. It’s not harsh on the skin at all and smells incredible. Reincarnation contains 100% natural products – avocado oil, marigold flower, tonka bean, sandalwood and the scent of sweet orange hits you. Who knew skincare could smell so good? The jojaba beads in the exfoliator are what helps to lift that dead skin – without making you feel grim or anything like that either.

My skin 100% feels fresher, cleaner and lighter after using Reincarnation. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t give your skin any redness or sore patches. I tend to use this in the evenings because my work environment is quite dirty so I find this freshens my skin up best. This is currently £16.45 on Feel Unique (originally £21.99).

Not gonna lie, I’m quite lazy when it comes to removing my makeup…

If I could just use wipes and not get judged, then I bloody would. I just find it such a massive chore taking off makeup and cleaning my face in the evening. Thankfully, the Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser* makes it that little bit more easier and less ‘chorey’. The good thing about the Grace cleanser is that it’s dermatologically approved so perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. Not only this, but it removes any ‘impurities’ and makeup!

So instead of using my wipes or micellar water, I’ve been using the grace cleanser and I have to admit, I’ve noticed a huge difference. After using this, my skin doesn’t feel clogged like it normally does. There’s anti-inflammatory ‘Vinanza Oxifend super-antioxidant’ in the cleanser. What that means, I don’t bloody know but it’s anti-inflammatory so it has to be good right?

All I know is that the cleanser does the job brilliantly and I adore it. Super easy to use, smells lovely and you just rinse it off with warm water. I can confirm it does not sting when you get in your eyes either. Obviously, you shouldn’t really put anything in your eye but I accidentally got it in my eye once and I didn’t have a meltdown. So that’s something. The Grace Cream Cleanser is just £18.70 at Feel Unique – currently 25% off!

All in all, Antipodes has done wonders for my skin!

Despite me having sensitive skin, that is currently blemish prone and dry in patches, these three products have worked a real treat. My face feels much softer, lighter, fresher, cleaner and in general – like it’s had some really good TLC. I can’t fault Antipodes and I’ve got a wishlist as long as my arm. If you’re yet to try Antipodes, I really recommend you hop on the wagon sooner rather than later!

Have you ever tried Antipodes?! Is it something that’s on your wishlist? Or do you not like the brand? Either way, I’d love to know! Make sure you check out my most recent post (which is now over a month old… oops) – it’s all about the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam palette!